NYPD Pre-Ramadan Security Conference

Police Commissioner O’Neill, precinct commanders, NYPD Muslim affiliated fraternal organizations, leaders from New York City’s Muslim community, and the commanding officer of the NYPD Hate Crime Task Force gathered at One Police Plaza for the Department’s annual Pre-Ramadan conference Tuesday morning. Uniformed commanders and members of the Muslim community came together to discuss security preparations for the upcoming holiday and to become better informed about the customs of the Muslim faith. At the event, Police Commissioner O’Neill reassured all in attendance that the NYPD will be ensuring that the Muslim holy month is safe for all and a time of reflection and joy:

“Regardless of where you’re from or how you practice your religion, we want this month to be rewarding and festive. Because New York City is your home. And in your home, we’ll do everything we can to ensure your safety and privacy.”

During the holy month, additional officers will be deployed outside of mosques and Islamic cultural centers to make sure community members are safe. Police Commissioner O’Neill also cited the paradigm shift toward neighborhood policing as an essential aspect of proactively fighting crime and building trust with all communities:

“Our general patrol functions have changed drastically. We’ve developed new, innovative ways of listening to the community and letting the people in our precincts have a say in how their neighborhoods are policed. Neighborhood Policing is a model that brings the public and the police together as partners”

This partnership is critical in fighting crime throughout the City. Police Commissioner O’Neill took a moment during his remarks to highlight the nearly 900 Muslim officers who proudly serve their communities as members of the NYPD. The diversity of this Department is critical to our success because it helps us gain the trust of the public so we can serve them better.